Guide to funding
Funding that supports the people, places and projects making a difference in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.
Good Neighbour
About us
Our kaupapa is to nurture and build the prosperity of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty through unwavering support for local initiatives, events, and facilities.
Together with the communities and organisations we support, our mahi enables significant and impactful change for our current and future generations.
Our funding is inclusive across a range of sectors, including arts, culture and heritage, education, environment, health and social services, youth development and sport and recreation.
Since 1993, our funding has contributed significantly to the growth of our rohe and it’s people, bringing life to grassroots organisations and large-scale multi-million-dollar projects alike. Through responsibly managing our investments, we can effectively distribute funds for the long-term benefit of our community.
Our region’s growing needs, whether physical or social, will always be met with unwavering dedication from TECT, as we continue to play an increasingly critical role in the growth and development of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.
Ko te whāinga
Our Purpose
To make a significant impact on shaping the quality of life and wellbeing of current and future generations in the Western Bay of Plenty. We are part of the fabric of this region and are ambitious for the future of our community.
Ko te whakakitenga
Our Vision
A thriving, caring and connected community here in the Western Bay of Plenty.
Ko te uaratanga
Our Mission
Responsibly manage our investments and effectively distribute funds for the long-term benefit of the community we serve.
Our region
Our region stretches from Waihī Beach in the north, through to Ōtamarākau in the east, covering the same regions administered by Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
We’re on a mission to make a real difference in our community
Our funding works to support the people, places and projects making a difference in the Western Bay of Plenty.
We prioritise funding for initiatives that not only support those experiencing the greatest disadvantage, but also contribute to long lasting benefits for all.
Our Strategic Plan guides our decision making and identifies focus areas to assist in prioritising funding to where it is most needed or can have the greatest impact.
To view our strategic plan and funding framework, visit www.tect.org.nz / our granting strategy
Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku
Our Strategic Focus Areas:
Kāinga Āhuru Housing
We believe everyone in our region should have access to warm, healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate housing. To support this, we are focused on investing in initiatives that are community-led, and increase access to warm, healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate housing for communities experiencing the greatest barriers to secure housing.
Ngā Hāpori Mātua Priority Communities
We will provide support to the communities in our region experiencing highest needs. Our focus is on achieving outcomes for Māori, diverse ethnic communities, children and young people, and older people experiencing disadvantage. We will fund initiatives that increase access to opportunities for priority communities, support priority communities to lead their own solutions, are strengths-based and enable community ambitions; and incorporate cultural knowledge or other practices relevant to priority communities.
Toitū Te Taiao Natural Environment
We will invest in the protection and regeneration of our region’s natural environment and biodiversity, and support initiatives that address the implications of climate change. We will prioritise initiatives that achieve large scale transformational impact, bringing diverse stakeholders together and blending contemporary science with local knowledge, including mātauranga Māori, and are community-led and help to build community care of and connection with our environment.
Whaitua Hononga Built Environment
We will invest in local and regional amenities and facilities that support community connectedness, increase access to opportunities to participate in community activities and enhance the wellbeing and vibrancy of our communities. We will actively work with Councils in our region to support the development of amenities and facilities, as well as funding community-led projects.
Te Mauri me te Orangatanga Community Wellbeing & Vibrancy
We want Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty to be vibrant places where people, families and communities thrive. To support this, we will fund initiatives that promote social connection, inclusion and belonging, support whānau and community resilience, safety and wellbeing, enable participation in community activities, arts, culture, sports, recreation, build skills and provide opportunities for learning, and strengthen the impact and sustainability of community organisations.
Our funds
Each year, our grants programme makes funding available to community organisations and initiatives through the following funds:
Community Development Fund
Our Community Development Fund supports projects and initiatives that contribute to Tauranga and Western Bay to be a vibrant region where people, families and communities thrive. To support this, we will fund organisations that make a positive impact on our local communities across a range of sectors including arts, culture and heritage, education, environment, health and social services, youth development, iwi and marae, and sport and recreation. Examples include programme & operating costs, one-off projects or small asset purchases.
Application closing date is the first of every month. There is a monthly funding round every month, except for January.
Community Facilities Fund
The Community Facilities Fund supports the development of facilities in the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty region that provide benefit for current and future generations. Priority will be given to projects that most closely align with TECT’s strategic objectives, are well planned, and there is clear evidence of organisational capability to deliver. Examples include new buildings, halls, sporting or arts facilities, or other community led amenities. Smaller applications may be considered out of round, and please contact our team for details.
Application closing date is 1 April or 1 September.
Community Events Fund
Our Community Events Funding aims to support events held in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty that deliver social and economic benefits to the community. TECT wishes to support a wide and varied portfolio of events and support event organisers to deliver quality events. Below are the ways we fund events. Please contact our team if you are unsure which fund suits your event best.
TECT Community Events Fund
Applications for events of national or international significance can be submitted directly to TECT on a monthly basis. Please contact our team, who will send you the link to the application form.
close on a monthly basis.
Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund
Designed for small to medium community-led events that are community-driven and enrich our communities through active participation and inclusion. This fund is a collaboration between TECT Community Trust, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. This fund is managed by TECT on behalf of the fund partners. Learn more and apply at www.communityeventfund.nz
Applications close quarterly.
Kaupapa Māori Event Fund
This fund supports iwi and hapū-led events that celebrate tangata whenua and tikanga Māori, while raising awareness of events of historical and cultural significance across our rohe. Examples include Matariki and Waitangi Day celebrations. The fund is a collaboration between TECT Community Trust, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. This fund is managed by Tauranga City Council on behalf of the fund partners. Visit www.tauranga/govt.nz/event-funding
Catalyst for Change Fund
The intention of the Catalyst for Change Fund is to create significant positive change through supporting innovative projects and practices. Initiatives funded will include building capacity, learning and development. It is intended that the project will evolve over a number of years.
Application by invitation only.
Facilities of Regional Significance Fund
TECT is interested in being a pro-active, collaborator in funding significant projects which will create a direct positive impact on the economic and social wellbeing of our region. Projects may be significant in size/nature and will likely have intergenerational benefit, wide impact through improving social cohesion, enhancing community participation or are of regional significance.
Application by invitation only.
Hunt for Good
Application by invitation only.
Our funding process
1
Have you applied for funding before?
Yes? Jump to 3.
No? Give us a call.
2 Are you eligible?
3
3
Your organisation must be a Charitable Trust, Incorporated Society. Get ready to apply
Before you begin, ensure you’re prepared with all the information required. See page 9.
6 Assessment
Applications are assessed within 5-7 weeks and may include our team meeting with you.
5
Our team will be in touch at this point if any further information is required. Applications reviewed
4 Apply online
Begin your application at www.tect.org.nz/ applyforfunding
7 Decision
Decisions are generally made 7-8 weeks after the funding round closes. A member of our team will contact you by phone.
8
Agreement & payment
If approved, you will be sent a funding agreement which will outline any grant conditions and how you’ll be paid.
10 Celebrating success
We’ll work together to share the impact your mahi, and our funding, with our community.
Reporting
9
Your funding agreement will outline the financial and written reporting requirements for your grant. These help us to understand the impact of the grant.
1
Have you applied for funding before?
2 Are you eligible?
3
Get ready to apply
If you are applying to TECT for the first time, or for something different than what you’ve been funded for previously, we recommend you contact our team to discuss before completing the application form.
If you’re applying for event or facility funding we also suggest you contact our team before applying as funding rounds and timelines may differ from time to time.
There are a few things that determine an organisation’s ability to apply for TECT funding:
• Your organisation must be a Public Benefit Entity (PBE) - such as a Charitable Trust, Incorporated Society or amateur sports organisation. We do not accept applications from individuals or informal organisations
• Your purpose aligns with our strategic focus areas
• It has been more than 12 months since your last application, regardless of which funding scheme is being applied to
• For more information visit www.tect.org.nz/fundingeligibility
• For a list of exclusions, visit www.tect.org.nz/exclusions
Before you begin your application, ensure you have the following ready: If you’re unsure, or would like support understanding if you are eligible, contact our team to discuss.
• Know which fund you are applying for
• How much funding you are applying for
• The purpose of your grant
• How it aligns with TECTs strategic plan and focus areas
• About your organisations core purpose and activities
• Know your numbers - the number of staff, volunteers, clients, members, etc
4
Apply online
• Charities or incorporated society number (if applicable)
• Financial statements
• GST number
• Bank account information
• Quotes (two quotes are needed for items over $5,000 for equipment or facility grants)
• Budget
You can apply for our funding online at www.tect.org.nz/applyforfunding
We use the SmartyGrants online system for our application process. It’s easy to register online and if you need any support with your application, please contact our team on 07 578 5094 or info@tect.org.nz
Once your application has been submitted online, you will receive an email confirming that we have received it. It will include a unique application number. Please use this when contacting our team.
Please ensure applications are submitted at least three months prior to when you require a decision.
5 Applications reviewed
Once we have recieved your application, our team will undertake an inital review of your organisation and your application. If more information is required to process your application, we will reopen your application so you can add what’s needed and resubmit it.
As part of the assessment process, one of our team may visit or call you to discuss your application in more detail.
Applications are assessed on individual merits and the final number of successful applications are determined by the funds available and the alignment to our strategic priorities.
When considering your application we look at:
• Activities and outcomes
• Who within the community will benefit from your work
• Alignment to our strategic priorities
• What our funding will enable you to achieve
• Your finances, including your expenses and sources of revenue
Decisions are made by our Trustees at our monthly board meetings. This is generally 7-8 weeks after the funding round closes. One of our team will call you within a couple of days to advise whether your application has been successful or not.
If your funding is approved, you will be sent a funding agreement which confirms the amount of the grant, the period the grant covers, how it will be paid and other funding conditions you will need to meet.
You must use TECT funding for the purpose it was given and meet any conditions. Funds are generally non-transferable to other events or projects.
Your funding agreement will outline any conditions, and the financial and written reporting required.
If there is any change to what was proposed in your application, or the timeline in which you will use your funding, please contact us to discuss how this affects your grant.
Please note, TECT reserves the right to terminate any funding where it considers the terms of the Funding Agreement have been breached. In this event, part or all of the funds may have to be repaid to us.
We love sharing news about your mahi and the impact our funding has in the community. We would appreciate if you can recognise TECT in your marketing and communications, such as on your website, social media, signage and newsletters.
For ways you can acknowledge our support, including our logo files and TECT branded display equipment available to use, free of charge, visit www.tect.org.nz / recognising your grant.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding can you apply for?
This depends on the total project cost or operating budget and which fund you are applying to. Please talk to our team about what would be a realistic expectation. You can give us a call on 07 578 5094 or email us at info@tect.org.nz.
Looking at what we have previously funded will also give you an idea of the types of organisations and projects we fund, and the level of funding that has been granted. Visit www.tect.org.nz / who we’ve funded
When should you apply?
To ensure you receive a timely response, we recommend applying to TECT at least three months prior to when you need a funding decision. Note: there is no funding round in January, so November 1st is the cutoff date for pre-Christmas decisions, otherwise you won’t get an outcome until February/March.
What kind of things do we fund?
Find out more about the organisations we’ve funded at www.tect.org.nz/ who we’ve funded
What don’t we fund?
A full list of our exclusions can be found on our website, visit www.tect.org.nz/ exclusions
Not sure where to start?
Our team are very happy to work through the application with you. Please give us a call on 07 578 5094 or email us at info@tect.org.nz
Zespri AIMS Games
Contact us
Our office is based at The Kollective 145 17th Avenue
Tauranga, New Zealand
Write to us: The Kollective DX Box HP40007
Tauranga 3112
Phone us: 07 578 5094
Email us: info@tect.org.nz
https://www.facebook.com/TECTNZ/ https://www.instagram.com/tectnz
Find us at The Kollective, 145 17th Avenue, Tauranga
Phone 07 578 5094
Email info@tect.org.nz Visit www.tect.org.nz
Follow us online www.facebook.com/tectnz www.instagram.com/tectnz
Cover photo: Tauranga Diwali Festival
All information correct as of 1 October 2025. For the latest version visit www.tect.org.nz